Prayer To Persephone

By Edna St. Vincent Millay

Lyric Poem
             Be to her, Persephone,              All the things I might not be;              Take her head upon your knee.              She that was so proud and wild,              Flippant, arrogant and free,              She that had no need of me,              Is a little lonely child              Lost in Hell,--Persephone,              Take her head upon your knee;              Say to her, "My dear, my dear,              It is not so dreadful here."     CHORUS              Give away her gowns,              Give away her shoes;              She has no more use              For her fragrant gowns;              Take them all down,              Blue, green, blue,              Lilac, pink, blue,              From their padded hangers;              She will dance no more              In her narrow shoes;              Sweep her narrow shoes              From the closet floor.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem oscillates between themes of loss, longing, and the transformation from independence to dependence. The speaker pleads with Persephone, the Greek goddess associated with the underworld and the cycle of death and rebirth, to comfort a woman who has transitioned from a free-spirited, self-reliant being to a lost and lonely child. This woman's journey could symbolize a fall from grace or a loss of innocence, encapsulated in the metaphorical descent into Hell.

The poem's tone is one of melancholy and nostalgia, with a hint of resignation. The structure, alternating between direct appeals to Persephone and mournful observations of the woman's lost vivacity, creates a poignant rhythm of despair and supplication. The chorus, presenting a vivid image of the woman's abandoned belongings, serves as a metaphor for the end of her previous life. This is reinforced by the use of color imagery (blue, green, lilac, pink), which once suggested vibrancy, now signifying the remnants of a life no longer lived. The repetition of "blue," a color often associated with sadness, underscores the poem's sorrowful mood. The phrase "narrow shoes" stood out, symbolizing the confinement and limitations the woman now faces. This poem is a thoughtful exploration of transformative life events, the inevitability of change, and the power of mythological figures as symbolic entities.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.